Chuck Brown: 1936 - 2012

After being hospitalized since April 18, Chuck Brown died May 16 due to complications from pneumonia. The percussion-heavy, funky music that became known as go-go is said to have originated with Brown in Washington D.C. The New York Timesstated in its obituary that a candlelight vigil was held in Washington on Wednesday night where a sound truck played Brown’s music for the crowd before a prayer session.

Brown was known for songs like 1979’s chart-topping “Bustin’ Loose,” as well as a number of popular songs from the 1980s such as “We Need Some Money,” “Go-Go Swing” and “Run Joe.” More recently, notable 21st century R&B artists like Nelly and Eve have sampled Brown’s music, using “Bustin’ Loose” “Blow Your Whistle,” respectively.

The singer is survived by wife Jocelyn, sons Nekos, Wiley and Bill and daughter Takesa, who posted on Brown’s official Facebook page, “The Brown family would like to thank everyone for their love and support over the years. We know that Chuck’s legacy will live on through all of you who have supported him and his creation of Go-Go. His passion, inspiration and drive have always come from his family and fans. He would have wanted all of his fans to know that they meant the world to him and none of his success was possible without them. God bless.”